Catheters play a crucial role in healthcare. These thin, flexible tubes are inserted into the body to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into a patient’s bloodstream or to drain fluids from specific areas.
However, like any medical device, catheters are not without risks. One of the most concerning complications associated with catheter use is migration—a potentially dangerous situation where the catheter moves from its intended position.
What Is Catheter Migration and Why Is It Dangerous?
Catheter migration occurs when a catheter shifts from its original placement site within the body. When a catheter migrates, it may no longer function as intended, leading to a range of complications caused by Bard PowerPort. Even minimal shifts can have serious implications for patient health and treatment efficacy.
A migrated catheter can cause tissue damage, puncture blood vessels or organs, and lead to clots, internal bleeding, or infections. If the catheter is used to deliver medications, migration can result in the improper administration of drugs. The patient may overdose on the medication, or the treatment may be rendered ineffective due to underdosing.
Potential Causes of Catheter Migration
Catheter migration can occur due to various factors, often involving healthcare practices, patient behavior, or even issues with the device itself. Some of the potential causes of migration include:
- Flaws in the Device’s Design: Poor engineering or material choices can lead to structural weaknesses that increase the risk of migration. For example, materials that degrade quickly or become brittle over time can compromise the catheter’s integrity, making it more susceptible to movement.
- Certain Medical Procedures: Some diagnostic or therapeutic procedures can affect the position of the catheter. Activities that involve manipulating nearby tissues or organs can exert force on the catheter, potentially dislodging it from its intended location.
- Improper Securement: Failure to adequately secure the external portion of the catheter can lead to gradual migration. This often occurs when a healthcare provider does not use the right anchoring techniques.
- Infection Near Implantation: Localized infections at or near the catheter insertion site can affect the surrounding tissue, which can loosen the catheter. As the infection progresses, it may break down the tissue, which can lead to migration.
Legal Implications of Catheter Migration in Medical Devices
When catheter migration occurs due to device defects, affected patients may have grounds for legal action. By filing a product liability lawsuit, victims can recover compensation to help pay for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other complications resulting from their condition.
In fact, many patients who used the Bard PowerPort are now pursuing claims against the manufacturer due to design and manufacturing flaws that make the device inherently dangerous. To successfully pursue a product liability lawsuit against Bard or another catheter manufacturer, patients need to demonstrate that:
- The catheter was defective or unreasonably dangerous.
- The defect existed when the product left the manufacturer’s control.
- The defect directly caused the patient’s injury or complications.
- The patient was using the catheter as intended.
Experienced a Catheter Migration? Get Legal Help Now
If you have experienced complications due to catheter migration, Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you hold the manufacturer accountable and recover the compensation that you deserve. Our firm has a 99% success rate in personal injury cases, including those involving medical devices.
Take action to protect your rights. Call us at (800) 260-7197 to discuss your situation with our Bard PowerPort lawsuit attorneys and explore your options for justice and fair compensation.